Wednesday, July 16. 2014

A plant’s needs can be divided into two categories: what plants need before they are planted and what they will need after planting.

At Ledford’s Landscaping, we have 40 years of experience with planting plants. Before a plant is introduced, we determine if the site is right. We determine if the site will provide the correct level of light for the specific plant in order for it to thrive. We determine if the soil type is compatible with the plant. We properly prepare the site and often amend it with soil conditioner.

If you are investing in your yard by installing softscaping with plants, shrubs and trees, it is important to water it properly to help them develop strong roots and keep looking healthy and vibrant. There is a fine balance between giving them enough water but not over watering.
How To Water Your Plants This Summer

Timing – The optimal time to water is early to mid morning. It gives plants a good supply of water before the heat of the day. There is less evaporation when watering in the morning. We recommend watering early enough so that the leaves are dry before nightfall. When the leaves are wet at night, the plant is more susceptible to fungus and disease. If you must water during the night, choose a method that will not soak the leaves such as a soaker hose.

Amount – How much water should you give your plants?

If you have just planted plants that are getting started, the critical time period varies depending on the plant.

Plants gather water principally by absorbing it with their roots from the soil. While a new plant has limited roots reaching into the surrounding soil, it is important to keep that area consistently moist, but not wet. How much water you will need to provide depends on the soil type, ground temperature, air temperature, how windy it is and the type of plant. Because so many factors can influence the amount or frequency of watering, there is no magic formula. You will have to judge your own situation. One obvious sign of trouble with a plant is wilting. Wilting can be confusing because while plants most often wilt from lack of water, they can also wilt from too much water. You can check the soil by digging down a few inches to feel it before adding water. If it is still moist, lack of water is not the problem, overwatering is. Drying out a plant that is too wet can be difficult, especially since we don’t have control of the rain. If you have mulch, you can move the mulch away from the plant temporarily and let the soil dry. Cut your watering frequency in half. Watering when plants have wilted from lack of water is easy. Increase the frequency and the length of time. When watering, make sure approximately the first ½ inch of soil is moist.

Method – Be careful about the method of watering your plants. Plants with leaves that are continuously getting wet are more prone to disease. Purchase a watering can or soaker hose if possible and water evenly around the base of the plant.

Weather – Keep an eye on the 7 day forecast. If there is lots of rain after just planting plants, let the soil dry out a bit so it is moist and not wet before you water again. If it is going to be a hot week, you will want to increase your watering frequency.

With just a little extra time and care, you can keep your new plants healthy and thriving!